IP15 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
The IP36 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP15
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP36 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP36 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.